Document background
The Multimodal Bill of Lading (MBL) is essential for modern international trade operations involving multiple transport modes. This document, structured under Belgian law and international conventions, is used when goods need to be transported using a combination of different transport methods (such as sea, road, rail, or air) under a single contract. The MBL serves three crucial functions: it acts as a receipt confirming the carrier's possession of goods, provides evidence of the transport contract, and functions as a document of title enabling transfer of ownership. It includes detailed information about the goods, parties involved, transport routes, and applicable terms and conditions. The document must comply with Belgian Commercial Code requirements while incorporating relevant provisions from international transport conventions. It's particularly important in international trade finance, where it often serves as a key document in letter of credit transactions.
